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ProblemsByVin Checklist / 2021-DODGE-CHARGER

Pre-purchase · Buyer's checklist

2021 Dodge Charger inspection checklist

The 2021 Dodge Charger has 1 critical safety recall and a documented pattern of issues across 2 component categories. Before you sign anything, walk through this list with the seller. Skip nothing — the items below come from 32 owner reports already on file with NHTSA.

1 Verify safety recalls before you drive off

Recall fixes are free regardless of warranty status. Ask the seller for proof — or have the dealer pull the VIN history.

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles — fix: Dealers will replace both side curtain air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning February 20, 2025. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 19B.
NHTSA 24V198000 · severity: critical

2 Inspect the airbags

What to look for: Anything that looks, sounds, or smells different from peer vehicles of the same year and trim. (12 owner complaints on this vehicle · typical repair $1,100 )

Walk around and note any visible damage, wear, or aftermarket modifications
Open the hood and look for fresh fluid leaks, loose connectors, or recent part swaps
Sit in every seat and operate every control to confirm function

See full airbags report for this vehicle →

3 Inspect the powertrain

What to look for: Hesitation on takeoff, harsh or delayed shifts, vibration at highway speed, fluid leaks on the driveway under the engine bay or transmission pan. (4 owner complaints on this vehicle · typical repair $2,500 · failures cluster ~54,000 mi)

Transmission fluid color and smell — fresh ATF is red, brown or burnt smell is bad
Engine and transmission mounts (cracks or visible sag)
CV boots front (and rear on AWD) — any tears mean a $300–$800 axle replacement
Driveshaft U-joints and rear differential fluid level on RWD/AWD

On the test drive: Drive 15+ minutes including a freeway on-ramp at full throttle, a steep hill, and stop-and-go traffic. Listen for clunks on shifts, flares between gears, and shudders during light acceleration at 30–50 mph (torque converter symptom).

See full powertrain report for this vehicle →

4 Paperwork — before you sign

The seller's transparency on these tells you what kind of seller you're dealing with.

Title in seller's name (not "open title" or "signed by previous owner")
Service records — at least the last 24 months
VIN on the dash matches the door jamb sticker and the title
Run a paid vehicle history report (Carfax or AutoCheck) — accident, salvage, odometer rollback
Confirm any open recalls have been completed (NHTSA VIN lookup)
If financing, get the rate in writing before you set foot on the lot

Inspection items derived from 32 owner complaints and 2 active recall campaigns filed with NHTSA on the 2021 Dodge Charger. Category-specific guidance is written by ProblemsByVin contributors with ASE-certified mechanic review. This checklist is meant to surface known patterns — it doesn't replace a paid pre-purchase inspection by a qualified shop, which we recommend for any used vehicle priced over a few thousand dollars.